On May 20, 2020, the State of Minnesota outlined plans, as mentioned in Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-56, for bars and restaurants to open on June 1 for outdoor service so long as certain conditions, including social distancing, are maintained to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The city of Hutchinson is providing the following guidelines to assist our local bars and restaurants in opening outdoor services.
Guidelines for Privately Owned Parking Lots and Open Spaces
The city of Hutchinson currently allows outdoor dining on private property at bars and restaurants. Property owners looking to expand their current outdoor dining services should be aware of the following:
- The expansion of any outdoor dining service area into privately owned parking lots or open spaces will be allowed on a temporary basis and for as long as the current Governors Order and any future Order that encourages outdoor dining is in place.
- State guidelines for providing outdoor dining services must be followed (Department of Health, DEED, etc.)
- Prior to the expansion, the City will need to approve of a map of the expanded service area. Please note that guidance from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) limits bars and restaurants to 50 guests with reservations for the entire outdoor service area.
- Canopies will be allowed to be put up over seating/dining areas without a permit as long as they are temporary and not attached to the building
- Local zoning and building codes would apply to any physical expansions, such as a new or modified patio or deck, or a permanent structure such as that of a fence.
- Those with a liquor license who wish to serve alcohol in the outdoor dining area must update their liquor license with the City and provide the City with proof that their liquor liability insurance covers alcohol sales in any expanded outdoor spaces.
- All other City Ordinances must continue to be followed (noise, garbage, etc.).
Guidelines for Providing Outdoor Dining Services on Publically Owned Property
The city of Hutchinson may allow outdoor dining on public property by bars and restaurants. Property owners looking to expand their outdoor dining services to publicly owned property (sidewalks, parking lots, etc.) may be allowed on a temporary basis and for as long as the current Governors Order and any future Order that encourages outdoor dining is in place.
This may be allowed under the following circumstances:
- The private property owner must enter into a Franchise Agreement with the city of Hutchinson and agree to hold the City harmless of any claims of damage, injury etc. The City will not charge a fee for the temporary agreement.
- As a part of the Franchise Agreement, the property owner must provide a plan on how they will be providing the services and a map of the expanded service area. Please note that guidance from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) limits bars and restaurants to 50 guests with reservations for the entire outdoor service area.
- As a part of the plan, property owners must address how they will handle the cleanup of garbage, parking, other traffic flow issues, etc.
- State guidelines for providing outdoor dining services must be followed (Department of Health, DEED, etc.)
- Canopies will be allowed to be put up over seating/dining areas without a permit as long as they are temporary and not attached to any building
- Those with a liquor license who wish to serve alcohol in the outdoor dining area must update their liquor license with the City and provide the City with proof that their liquor liability insurance covers alcohol sales in any expanded outdoor spaces.
- The City is named as an additionally insured on the private property owner’s insurance policy
- All other City Ordinances must continue to be followed (noise, garbage, etc.).
Questions regarding these guidelines, or requests to update a liquor license or enter into a Franchise Agreement, should be directed to the Office of the City Administrator at (320) 587-5151.
